MSI has released several new Z690 motherboards for Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake CPUs for desktop. All motherboards sport PCIe 5.0, the new Z690 chipset, as well as DDR4 and DDR5 support. MSI has also made improvements to Memory Boost to deliver up to 30% additional performance.
The MSI MEG Z690 lineup comes with 19 direct VRM phases with 105A SPS covered in an all-aluminum design for better heat dissipation. They now come with a larger backplate to improve thermals, support memory slots, and protect the PCB. These motherboards also support up to 5 onboard M.2 slots with a maximum of 4 PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs and 2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.
Those who are looking for dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, dual 2.5G LAN, and two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, the MEG Z690 Ace might be the choice for you. It has a mystery-black surface decorated with 24K Gold rather than RGB lights for added bling.
MSI’s Z690 MPG series still come with the platform’s main upgrades. The MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi and MPG Z690 Force WiFi come with 2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and 5 M.2 slots including 4 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. They also come with direct 18 VRM phases with 75A SPS while the MPG Z690 Edge WiFi has direct 16 VRM phases with 75A SPS.
The MSI Z690 MAG lineup come with a new design inspired by military structures. The MAG Z690 Torpedo keeps its pacific blue color scheme, which as well-received by MSI fans.
In addition to the new designs, the MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi and MAG Z690 Torpedo are upgraded to have 16 Duet Rail Power System with 70A SPS. Both come with 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and 3 PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots.
MSI’s Z690 Pro series have been designed for enterprises and creators. They sport a 14 Duet Rail Power System and dual 8-pin CPU connectors. They also have 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 4 M.2 slots for faster graphics and storage performance.
The MSI Z690 series motherboards will officially launch via a livestream on November 2, 2021 at 9am PST. Check out the complete specifications of their motherboards here.
